expecting
word · lemma: expect
/ɪkˈspɛktɪŋ/
ik-SPEK-ting
/ɛkspˈɛktɪŋ/
ek-SPEK-ting
Definition
Looking for something to happen or someone to arrive. It can also mean being pregnant, especially in phrases like 'She is expecting.'
Usage & Nuances
Most often used in continuous forms like 'I'm expecting a call' or 'We're expecting guests.' For pregnancy, 'expecting' is a gentle and common way to say 'pregnant.' Do not confuse it with 'waiting'—'expecting' focuses on what you think will happen, not only the act of waiting.
Spanish: esperar - estar embarazadaPortuguese (BR): esperar - estar grávidaPortuguese (PT): esperar - estar grávidaChinese (Simplified): 期待 - 怀孕Chinese (Traditional): 期待 - 懷孕Hindi: उम्मीद करना - गर्भवती होनाArabic: يتوقع - تكون حاملاًBengali: আশা করা - প্রত্যাশা করা - গর্ভবতী (প্রেগন্যান্ট)Russian: ожидать - быть беременнойJapanese: 期待する - 妊娠しているVietnamese: mong đợi - đang mang thaiKorean: 기대하다 - 임신하다Turkish: beklemek - hamile (olmak)Urdu: امید کرنا - حاملہ ہوناIndonesian: mong đợi - đang mang thai
Example Sentences
I am expecting a package today.
basic
We are expecting guests for dinner.
basic
She is expecting her first baby.
basic
I wasn't expecting you so early.
natural
Are you expecting me to do all the work?
natural
Honestly, we were expecting better news.
natural